Hammer
What to look for: A 16- to 20-ounce claw hammer with a smooth head and a padded grip. Make sure you’re comfortable lifting it. The preferred choice is a lightweight model you can swing.
Why you’ll (learn) to love it: Duh! Do we need to tell you why you’ll want a hammer? BTW: It ain’t bad for breaking up a tray of peanut brittle either!
Our pick: Kobalt 16-oz. Curved-Claw Hammer with Angled Handle, $8, Lowes.com
Photo: Levi Brown / The Nest